Education can help curb AIDS in teensHow many more...

the Forum

March 07, 1991

Education can help curb AIDS in teens

How many more statistics do we need to make the point that AIDS has become the polio of this generation and its victims are growing by huge numbers among heterosexual youth? Planned Parenthood's literature says the risk of AIDS is far surpassing that of curable sexually transmitted diseases. There must be a way to reach children.

For as long as sex education has existed, there has been a very vocal group opposing it. Human sexuality is an emotionally charged subject, and we have been reared to think it is only to be discussed behind closed doors ` if at all. We are also led to believe that children are nonsexual, and it often comes as a shock to parents when they discover how sexually aware their children are.

What will it take for us to deal with reality and protect our children from crippling misinformation? Regardless of our own feelings about premarital or adolescent sexual activity, trying to keep children ignorant is not the solution. There is no evidence that teaching children about sexuality encourages them to become sexually active or promiscuous.

Sex education is as important to today's child as arithmetic. We can not afford to avoid subjects that make us uncomfortable at the expensive of our children.

isa Richardson

Baltimore

Why not RFG?

Since it's a baseball stadium, why not RFG Stadium to commemorate three of the greatest players from Maryland ` Ruth, Foxx, and Grove? Since the structure is to be paid for and enjoyed by people from all sections of Maryland, why not remember Baltimore's Babe Ruth, the Eastern Shore's Jimmie Foxx (Sudlersville), and Western Maryland's Lefty Grove (Lonaconing) all Hall of Fame members? The ring of RFG Stadium is as pleasing as that of Washington's RFK Stadium. Not many states the size of Maryland (or larger) have such a formidable trio as Ruth, Foxx and Grove, and all three are products of Maryland minor league baseball.

Paul Fenchak

Lutherville

Safer place to live

Steven Zaruba (Forum, Feb 26) claims that "Maryland has become the state of hate" because of the violent crime in Baltimore.

Mr. Zaruba also states that two recent killings could have been prevented if only the people "had a gun, any type of gun." He then exhorts Governor Schaefer not to take away his "right to defend myself, my family and my home with any type of gun I choose."

Mr. Zaruba's idea of more people carrying guns for self-protection would only lead to more people being killed by guns. As for protecting his home, there are better ways than using a gun, since FBI statistics show that a gun in a private home is 43 times more likely to be used against a member of the family or friend than in self-protection.

Also, every legal interpretation of the Second Amendment gives the states the right to limit public access to certain firearms. Governor Schaefer and the legislature will be acting in the interest of public safety by passing the assault ban bill and the child protection bill.

More reasoned use of firearms is a much better way to make our state a safer place to live, not "a state of hate."

Miller makes a strong case against the parental consent law. But after reflection, I found it to be equally persuasive to have the consent law. "Tammy," and others in her condition, need exactly such laws to do for them what they can't do for themselves. If her "Bible-reading" family is truly problematic or abusive, then court-appointed guardians are in order, as such laws provide for in other states.

The case throws a light on the controversial Florida law that allows addicted mothers to be arrested. Civil libertarians may cringe at this, but such laws can, if compassionately administered, initiate treatment. Having a child while abusing drugs can be likened to driving while drunk endangering oneself and others. I've seen an alcoholic's life and family restored during such strict and mandatory treatments resulting from DWI convictions.

While Miller is to be commended for a fine column, I remain pro-life and pro-consent, though acknowledging the timeless shortage of compassion in life.

L. Smart III

Havre de Grace

On Black Marsh

Concerning your Feb. 26 editorial about the future of Black Marsh: The so-called "pristine area" has long (for over 70 years) been used and enjoyed by the people of Baltimore and, yes, it is still one of the finest areas of tidal wetlands left in the area. Yes, there always have been eagles in the area.